“Empowering Alliances: Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III’s Inspiring Address at the 25th Ukraine Defense Contact Group”

So we assembled here, and began coordinating security aid to Ukraine—expeditiously and decisively. Back in April 2022, few could have envisioned the level of backing our countries have provided to Ukraine.

Putin clearly did not anticipate it. In the initial months of the conflict, we supplied everything from Javelin missiles and Stinger missiles to artillery systems. This support allowed Ukraine to withstand the first wave of Putin’s invasion.

Month after month, members of this Contact Group have aided in providing, producing, and sustaining the systems and munitions that Ukraine requires. This encompasses advanced air-defense systems and long-range strike capabilities. Ukraine has faced horrific consequences from Russia’s imperial aggression. Nonetheless, steadfast, principled promises from the nations assembled here have made a significant impact.

This Contact Group has progressed, as have the capabilities provided by its members. We have established eight Capability Coalitions, led by 14 nations along with Ukraine. Working closely with our National Armaments Directors, these coalitions ensure that our support is synchronized, efficient, and sustainable. Their efforts have enabled Ukraine to rapidly absorb the security assistance we provide. Owing to the leadership of the Air Force coalition, Ukraine is now operating fourth-generation fighters. And thanks to the Maritime coalition, Ukraine is augmenting the abilities necessary to combat and deter Russian aggression in the Black Sea.

Earlier today, the Coalition Leadership Group convened again, with representatives from our 15 countries. They endorsed Capability Coalition roadmaps that lead through the year 2027. Through these Capability Coalitions, partner nations can persist in supporting Ukraine’s pressing battlefield requirements. They can continue assisting Ukraine in cultivating a force that will deter further Russian aggression in the long term as Ukraine undertakes its own essential reforms in mobilization and other sectors.

Today’s Kremlin offensives underscore the magnitude of the threat. Putin is relentless. His forces are perpetuating their grueling campaign in eastern Ukraine. In Kursk, Russian soldiers are fighting alongside North Korean forces against Ukraine’s troops. Meanwhile, the Kremlin continues its merciless bombardment of Ukraine’s civilians and critical infrastructure without remorse or respite. Once again, Ukraine is confronted with a winter of war. And once more, Putin is assaulting Ukraine’s energy grid, employing increasingly ruthless missile and drone strikes.

In February, we will commemorate the third anniversary of Putin’s war. The stakes remain substantial—for all our security. If Putin consumes Ukraine, his ambitions will only escalate. If autocrats assess that democracies will falter, abandon their interests, and neglect their principles, we will witness more land grabs. Should tyrants determine that aggression yields benefits, we will only invite greater aggression, disorder, and war.

Nonetheless, we remain resolute in preventing that from occurring. And so do the free people of Ukraine. Furthermore, so do the nations of goodwill worldwide—and around this table.

Retreat will only incentivize more imperial aggression. And if we hesitate, you can be sure that Putin will advance further—and strike harder. Ukraine’s existence is in jeopardy. But so too is the safety of Europe, the United States, and the globe. This is why the approximately 50 members of this Contact Group remain unified with Ukraine.

As you all know, today marks my final Contact Group meeting. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together. Over the past few years, we have mobilized extraordinary efforts to supply Ukraine with the security assistance it needs. Together, we have committed over 122 billion dollars’ worth of security aid and expanded manufacturing across the globe. This has expedited capabilities to Ukraine, from artillery systems to munitions to main battle tanks. It encompasses air-defense platforms, interceptors, and drones.

In the past weeks, we have witnessed Contact Group members enhance their contributions with substantial new donations. Germany unveiled plans to deliver 680 million dollars’ worth of military supplies to Ukraine by the year’s end. Others have already allocated generous funding for 2025 aid. Norway has pledged over 2 billion dollars for military support, while the U.K. is earmarking 3 billion pounds annually. In terms of GDP, Denmark, Estonia, and Latvia stand as the top three supporters of aid to Ukraine.

Thus, we must not relent. That’s why I am announcing today another Presidential Drawdown Authority package worth approximately $500 million. This includes additional missiles for Ukrainian air defense, increased ammunition, more air-to-ground munitions, and other resources to support Ukraine’s F-16s.

Here once again in Ramstein, I am determined to do everything within my power to assist Ukraine in living in freedom and security—and to create a more just and decent world. Our mission must continue.

The core truth is this: Ukraine’s struggle is significant for all of us. As I expressed here in Ramstein during our initial meeting in April 2022, Putin’s war “is a challenge to free people everywhere.” We each have a stake in ensuring that autocrats cannot advance their imperial ambitions at the expense of fundamental rights of free and sovereign nations. Ukraine is conducting a just war of self-defense. And it is among the great causes of our time.

Leading this Contact Group has been one of the most profound honors of my life. However, today is a day for action, not discussion. I eagerly anticipate yet another tremendously productive meeting.

So we’ll take a break as our colleagues in the media exit. Then we will commence our work. Thank you very much.

[Applause]